Provided photo.

The colors of the rainbow will shine brightly next month as Project Pride SRQ and Senior Friendship Centers join forces to present Silver Pride 2026. This free event, celebrating LGBTQ+ community members ages 50 and better, will feature live entertainment, food for purchase from Mellow Mushroom, tabling by local vendors and community partners–with information about resources available for senior-related services as well as LGBTQ+ support and advocacy. There will be raffle prizes and giveaways throughout the afternoon, along with fun for all who attend.

“Senior Friendship Centers partners with Silver Pride because every older adult deserves to be seen, heard, celebrated and connected,” says Chief Advancement Officer of Senior Friendship Centers, Declan Sheehy. “Our doors are open to all seniors, and Silver Pride is a joyful reminder that belonging has no age limit.”

“Our collaboration with Senior Friendship Centers is meaningful because it connects LGBTQ+ inclusion with the broader work of aging, wellness, dignity and community connection,” adds Project Pride SRQ’s Executive Director, Justyn Hunter-Ceruti. "That partnership helps ensure LGBTQ+ older adults are included not as an afterthought, but as an important part of the community we are all building together.”

Local TV personality Joey Panek will serve as the event host/emcee for the event and live entertainers will include Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Azara Ballet, Diversity Voices, Dingbat Theatre Project, Tap Kats, Dame Lindsay Carlton-Cline and DJ Janine. There will also be a panel presentation, titled Aging Out Loud: LGBTQ+ Life, Legacy, and Belonging Across Generations. The details regarding panelists and moderator are being finalized at this time.

“Silver Pride is about more than one afternoon of celebration,” says Hunter-Ceruti. “It is about making sure LGBTQ+ older adults know they are seen, valued and still deeply connected to the life of our community.”

For more about Project Pride SRQ, visit ppsrq.org. For more about Senior Friendship Centers, visit friendshipcenters.org.

Silver Pride 2026, Saturday, June 6, 12-4pm, Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota.

Provided photo.